News

C-17 Fleet Hits 3 Million Flight Hours

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C-17 Globemaster III is sprayed with water May 5, 2015, at JB Charleston, S.C., during an event
celebrating the three millionth flying hour. Air Force photo by SrA. Jared
Trimarchi.

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The C-17 fleet reached 3 million flight hours on
May 5, according to an Air Force release.
“It has become the airlifter of choice for our Air Force,” said Col. Amanda
Meyers, C-17 system program director. “The incredible partnership between our
Active Duty, Reserve forces, and the National Guard make the C-17 a huge
enabler for the United States of America. It not only allows us to fight and
win our nation’s wars, but also provide humanitarian
assistance at an international level.” The Air Force owns 222 Globemaster
IIIs and eight partner nations have a total of 44 of the strategic airlifters,
states the release. The first C-17 made its maiden flight on Sept. 15, 1991,
and the first aircraft was delivered to USAF in June 1993. Ceremonies were
held at Robins AFB, Ga., and JB Charleson, S.C., to commemorate the milestone,
states the release.